All styles of snowshoes will let you travel across the snow without sinking or struggling because they spread your weight evenly across a large, flat surface area. In general, the heavier the person or the lighter and drier the snow, the larger the snowshoe needs to be.

Recreational

These snowshoes are ideal for walking or hiking on terrain that is not very steep or rugged

Mountaineering

These snowshoes are more technical in design and they feature more aggressive traction to negotiate the steeper, icier conditions frequently encountered while mountaineering or on long hikes

Aerobic/Running

These snowshoes are made for cross-training and competitive snowshoeing on packed trails. They are lightweight, durable and maneuverable.

Youth

These snowshoes are smaller recreational snowshoes that are suitable for total weights not exceeding 125 pounds. Many styles are as durable as adult models, and can also be used by small adults.

Most of today's snowshoes have aluminum frames (the outer edge of the snowshoe to which the decking is attached), although frames may also be made of wood or high-tech materials such as carbon fiber

Although wooden snowshoes perform well, they require a lot of maintenance and are prone to breakage

Decking - the flat surface of the snowshoe that allows you to walk on the snow without sinking - used to be made of rawhide, but is now commonly made of synthetic materials such as Hypalon, Quadex, polypropylene or plastic

These materials are strong, light, good at shedding snow, offer good floatation and require next to no upkeep

Most modern snowshoes feature crampons or cleats that help provide traction and allow you to grip hard-packed, icy and steep terrain. Crampons, or cleats, are toothed traction devices on the undersides of snowshoes. They can be located at the toe, heel or under the ball of the foot.

Recreational snowshoes generally have moderate traction, usually at the forefoot

Mountaineering models feature aggressive traction at both forefoot and heel

Aerobic snowshoes usually have extra cleats at the toes for traction when pushing off

Toe or instep crampons pivot with your feet and dig in as you walk or climb

Heel crampons are usually shaped like a V. On a descent, they fill with snow and help slow you down.

Traction bars provide lateral stability and help reduce side slipping when traversing hills or uneven terrain

To find the right size snowshoe for your needs, determine what your approximate weight with gear will be. A heavier person, or one with a heavy pack, will require larger snowshoes than a smaller person or one carrying a light load.

Size is also determined by terrain and snow conditions. You will likely need more floatation in fluffy powder than on wet, packed or icy snow.

You will probably want more compact snowshoes if you plan to frolic on packed trails or negotiate steep slopes or tight spaces